| The aim of the Thematic Network is to harmonise research and development in the field of small hydropower (up to an output limit of 10 MW) with the needs of the “players” more intensively than in the past and to approach small hydropower operators more closely to the European “research scene”. In addition, coordination between the development activities on the national level and the plans of the EU Commission shall be improved, all this in view of the pressing reduction of greenhouse gases (Kyoto objectives) by the increased use of renewable energies – in particular hydropower. The European Small Hydropower Association (ESHA) coordinates this ambitious project and is the only umbrella organisation continuously representing the interests of European small hydropower. After the EU Commission had principally okayed the project in early summer 2003, the ESHA could tackle the detailed definition of the following project objectives together with its partners: - Development and operation of a new network for small hydropower.
- Creation of discussion forums to promote the exchange of information and to bring about a networking of stakeholders – researchers, producers of appliances, project developers, operators of small hydropower plants, conservationists, politicians, and network operators.
- Channelling of the think tank with regard to the further development of small hydropower technologies and integration of innovations in political decisions.
- Coordination and evaluation of R&D activities as input for the European research landscape.
As to its organisation, the Thematic Network is backed by a steering group as well as by three thematic working groups (key actor’s discussion groups), each headed by a chairperson. In addition, there is the secretariat of the network, which is provided by the ESHA. Next to the Thematic Network, the following organisations are under the umbrella of the ESHA: ADEME, Studio Frosio, ÖVFK, SERO, EPFL-LCH, MhyLab, SCPTH, ISET, IT Power, and the Lithuanian Hydropower Association. The network plans to implement the above aims by the following strategies: - Classical marketing for small hydropower.
- Renewal/obtaining of authorisations, clarification of small hydropower “taboos” in certain rivers, revision of all small hydropower-related laws (on EU and national level), compilation of tariff structures in Europe.
- Exchange of experience, drawing up of market analyses and assessment of needs, incitement to create organisations and structures, to support the development of small hydropower in those countries acceding the EU in May and also in the other candidate countries.
- Data gathering in the field of small hydropower.
- Public relations work to promote the image of small hydropower.
- Integration of small hydropower plants in environment and nature.
- Interdisciplinary planning and improved design of facilities.
- Improvement of the social acceptance of small hydropower plants.
- Increased application of bio-engineering.
- Better clarification of environmental impacts of water extraction from rivers.
- Comprehensive assessment of the environmental compatibility of small hydropower.
- Development of multi-use facilities by using all synergy effects.
- National implementation of the WFD.
The Thematic Network will also deal with technological aspects. On the one hand, this applies to the improvement of structural engineering solutions but also construction costs. Another focus will be the technological advancement of turbines, racks, rack-cleaning installations, etc. as well as the evaluation of generator output, the operation modes, and monitoring. Besides, a multitude of practice-oriented literature is being prepared: - A strategy paper for R&D activities in the EU (future research needs for small hydropower).
- “Manual on the planning and construction of small hydropower plants” (in German, French and Swedish).
- “Checklist for small hydropower developers” (in German, French, and Italian).
- A brochure on environmental aspects of small hydropower (in German, English, and Italian).
- A report on small hydropower in EU candidate countries.
An advocate of Austrian small hydropower interests, the author of this report chairs the ESHA working group “Environmental Integration of Small Hydropower Plants”. For the future political presence on the European level, such a commitment of as many experts as possible is particularly important in the present period of the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive! The ESHA has established a special website for all those who wish to participate in this network! Please register by e-mail to: gema.sanbruno@esha.be.
(Source: aqua press Int. 1/2004, a.o.Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernhard Pelikan) Contact & Information: ESHA
Renewable Energy House
Rue de Trône 26 B, 1000 Bruxelles
Telephone: 32 2 546.19.45
Fax : 32 2 546.19.47 University of Natural Resources and
Applied Life Sciences, Vienna
a.o. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernhard Pelikan
Tel.: +43-676-3310037 e-mail Secretariat: esha@arcadis.be
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